Bush, Miers Old Pals

AUSTIN, Texas – U.S. Supreme Court (search) nominee Harriet Miers told George W. Bush (search) in a 1997 birthday card that he was "the best governor ever" and, in a separate note to her boss, said she hoped his twin daughters recognize their parents are "cool."

The communications between Miers (search), who served as chair of the Texas Lottery Commission, and Bush, then governor of Texas, tell the story of a very warm relationship.

Bush faces criticism that he chose Miers for the high court because of their close friendship.

The correspondence with Bush was among thousands of pages of records released Monday by the Texas state archives from Miers' record as chair of the Texas Lottery Commission (search) from 1995-2000.

A transcript of her confirmation hearing before the state Senate in 1995 indicated that lawmakers asked Miers, an attorney, only a few questions and that her nomination by Bush was generally unopposed.

Miers and Bush exchanged several birthday notes and general well-wishes during her lottery tenure.

In 1997, Miers sent Bush a belated birthday card featuring a sad-looking dog and the note: "Dear Governor GWB, You are the best Governor ever -- deserving of great respect!" She added, "At least for thirty days -- you are not younger than me."

Bush's birthdate is July 6, 1946; Miers' is Aug. 10, 1945.

Bush wrote back to wish Miers a happy 52nd birthday, telling her that he appreciated her friendship and to "never hold back your sage advice." He ended with a postscript: "No more public scatology."

That October, Miers wrote Bush a note saying she hopes his twins, Jenna and Barbara, recognize they have "cool" parents.